Kentish Town

Coordinates: 51°32′41″N 0°08′45″W / 51.5447°N 0.1459°W / 51.5447; -0.1459

Kentish Town is an area of northwest London, England in the London Borough of Camden, immediately north of Camden Town.

Etymology

The name of Kentish Town is probably derived from 'Ken-ditch' meaning the 'bed of a waterway'.

History

Kentish Town was originally a small settlement on the River Fleet (the waterway is now one of London's underground rivers). It is first recorded during the reign of King John (1207) as kentisston. By 1456 Kentish Town was a thriving hamlet. In this period a chapel of ease was built for its inhabitants.

The early 19th century brought modernisation, causing much of the area's rural qualities, the River Fleet and the 18th century buildings to vanish, although pockets still remain, for example Little Green Street. Between the availability of public transport to it from London, and its urbanisation, it was a popular resort.

Large amounts of land were purchased to build the railway, which can still be seen today. Kentish Town was a prime site for development as the Kentish Town Road was a major route from London northwards. Karl Marx was a famous resident, living at 46 Grafton Terrace from 1856.

Kentish Town (ward)

Kentish Town is a ward in the London Borough of Camden, in the United Kingdom. The ward was established for the May 2002 election.

References